Disclaimer:
The following work is fiction, and all similarities to existing works are purely coincidental. The author (myself) hereby attests that the author is over 21 years of age, and that this material is intended for those over the age of 18 (or the legal age in accordance with local, national, provincial, or state laws). The author will not take responsibility should the reader decide to take the risk to access this material, and does not take responsibility for any offense towards violence, sexual intercourse between consenting adults, and depictions of fantasy.
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This material belongs to the author (me), and the author does not consent for anyone to copy, distribute, or sell the work as their own in any shape or form. Permission to post on other forums will be permitted provided that the poster seeks written consent from me, and that the forum is for non-profit and benefits the LGBTQ community.
A note on the story:
I have always been a fan of fantasy role playing games as well as DnD, and take inspiration from those sources. However, I have researched extensively, and would never intentionally copy works of other people.
If you are looking for a story that immediately jumps to sex and erotica, then perhaps this story is not for you.
Feedback and Comments: soulwinn735@gmail.com _________________________________________
CHAPTER II
APOLLON
"My dear little one, I must first commend you for your adoration and devotion to your honored mother and father, and how you selflessly labored for many hours to alleviate their pain. You are one of the fortunate few who possess a gift bestowed upon mankind by the gods, but you must take into mind that a gift is simply that, a gift. White magic was not created to defy divine will or to stave off the touch of death indefinitely, but it was created by humankind as a means to heal and ease pain within mortal means, and to protect those we love. I know that your intentions were pure and came from an innocent heart, but little one, you need to understand that life has an ebb and flow. Our lives upon this earth are temporary, a short journey to understand the beauty of creation, and to find our role in promoting the will of the gods above. You did very well little one, and I promise you, the sisters and I will love and care for you as any mother would. We cannot replace your true mother, but we can at least lessen the burden of your grief. Tell me, little one, what is your name?"
"Apollon...."
"Apollon, what a lovely name. My name is Siste Agnès, I am the Mother Superior of this priory. Come, take my hand. Humor me, do you know why we do the things we do when the physical body dies?"
"No, sister."
"For our people, the Lazavese, death has always been a momentous and sacred occasion, and it marks the transition of the soul from this life to the next. Our souls are permanent whereas our bodies are not, and only a chain binds our souls to these bodies of flesh. Sometimes, when our physical forms die, our souls wish to remain here within the mortal realm out of remorse or regret, and that is why we have our customs. In order to help the soul along the path to the afterlife and reincarnation, our people dress the deceased in their best clothes, and burn the body on a pyre of birch to cleanse the soul of anything that keeps them earthbound. Don't fret, I am sure that your parents would wish for you to live on, and perhaps, you will see them again in this life or the next. It is always painful to say farewell to those we can no longer see, but take solace in the fact that your sacrifice was not in vain. You can cry and hold onto me if you wish, but let's see your parents off."
Apollon remembered it so clearly now, but he found it all so strange. It had been quite awhile since he reminisced about his childhood, and of all the memories that could have rushed back, it was that particular moment. He was only six years old when his parents succumbed to a disease with them being the only victims, and they had isolated themselves in an effort to stop the fever from spreading. For some reason, Apollon was not infected, and that was when he discovered his ability to conjure mana and produce magic. Seeing his parents in such a state, he prayed to the gods in desperation, and suddenly, he saw a faint glow, and his parents' moans subsided for the first time in days. For the next few days, he did little else besides tend to them, and he kept trying to heal them even when their faces became sallow and still. He was told later on in life that his parents died on the same day he learned about his gift, and that his efforts were only delaying decomposition. He couldn't picture their faces now, but only how the villages had to pry him from their bodies as he embraced them tightly, and they did so in a bid to prevent him from using the entirety of his mana and dying. Apollon wondered why his mind had chosen this memory, and then it dawned on him that the memory was one of his many failures to protect those he loved.
As his eyes opened the dying campfire, Apollon used a tree branch to gather the last remnants of the nation's flag that hadn't burned, and shifted them towards the last tongues of flame who desperately lashed out for kindling. He struggled to fathom the thought of what Inanna would make of him now in such a state, and how she would curse him for his dereliction of duty. Like his parents, he had failed her highness, and he could still hear the echoes of her majesty gasping as she choked on her own blood. Using the flagpole from the capital as a crutch, Apollon staggered to stand up, and felt a sharp stabbing pain as his chest pulsated and throbbed. Falling to the ground then, Apollon's vision went in and out of focus, and he clutched at his chest. The senator who had fired the spell at him had limited magical ability, but the blow he delivered was unimpeded by armor or any sort of defense, and the entirety of his right side was now a purplish brown. It was a terrible pain, as if someone had taken a knife and plunged it into his flesh all the way to the hilt, and Apollon could only muster enough strength to lean against a nearby tree. He had not eaten in several days, and his mana level was dangerously low, too low to heal himself. If he did not find a place for respite soon, he would probably die, and hearing her majesty's last command in the back of his mind, Apollon stood and slowly made his way down the naturally carved path.
The passageway from the castle had led to the middle of the great wood, and the forest was eerily silent. Apollon had not seen a single soul for days, and as he stopped once more to lean against another tree, he smelled a familiar scent. When he was a young boy, Mother Agnès along with the other sisters would go on excursions into the woods in search of medicinal herbs, and that was when he learned about not only botany and herbology, but also edibility. Leaning down to examine the branches of a nearby bush, Apollon recognized the familiar red skin of a berry he enjoyed, and looked for a characteristic sweetness and citrusy taste before he gathered as many as he could from the waist up. Mother Agnès was quite fond of these berries, not only because of their flavor, but also due to them granting bursts of energy when consumed in large quantities. Apollon could not help but picture her, and how her slightly wrinkled face would soften, and how she would become spry and youthful. Waiting for a moment then, Apollon felt the rush of energy in his veins, and entered a clearing in the woods. Using a well to draw water, he eagerly drank it, and felt the refreshing sensation of ice cold water. As he looked around to take note of his surroundings, Apollon spotted a collection of houses then, and hurriedly made his way towards a village.
With doors to several houses being left ajar, the fields of the crops remained unharvested, and several chickens roamed about the village without a care. It seemed as though the village had been evacuated in a rush, and only discarded possessions gave any semblance of who the occupants once were. Passing by laundry billowing in the winds, Apollon was hesitant to enter another person's home, but his inhibitions were quickly forgotten as he found much needed provisions. Jams and jellies, pickled vegetables, and even stale bread and cheese, he gladly munched down on some of the tasty morsels, and felt a fullness in his stomach after several days. Rummaging through armoires, he found a set of new clothes, and made his way to the communal bath house with a wash bucket, soap, and shampoo in hand. Stoking the flames to heat the bath, he allowed his naked body to ease into the tepid water, and felt relief wash over him.
Concentrating then, Apollon gingerly held his hand to the bruised portion of his body, and inhaled deeply. He had managed to recover some of his mana by eating the berries and food, and hoped that it was enough to at least recuperate even slightly from his injury. Like a person running their fingers slowly across his skin, the mana began at surface level, but slowly soaked into his flesh in a soft green light. Feeling some pain go away as the familiar sensation of warmth enveloped him, Apollon let out a moan, but suddenly his moan turned into a loud gasp. As his magic touched a knot where the spell had twisted the muscle, Apollon screamed in pain as he felt it contort back into place, and saw the world become blurry. As his muscles spasmed and cramped, he realized that the wound went deeper than he thought, and he lacked the strength to go further. Feeling his mana pool drain away, Apollon feebly made his way to the side of the tub, and removed the plug blocking the drain. Holding onto the wooden side of the tub as he began to lose consciousness, he kept himself awake by using the smallest amount of mana, and waited patiently for the water to reach a safe level. Apollon had overestimated how much he benefited from his meal, but at least if he were to pass out now, he would not drown, but would be at the mercy of anyone who stopped by. As his naked body slumped just under the faucet, Apollon took one last look at the carved dome ceiling, and watched as the world faded to black.
It seemed like an eternity had passed before Apollon regained consciousness, and he awoke to the sight of a thatched ceiling, and the smell of fresh stew bubbling away. As he propped himself up using one of his arms, he felt a dull pain then, and looked down at the fresh bandages across his chest. Flaring his nostrils as the smell of an herbal poultice filled his nose, Apollon took in his surroundings, and realized that he had been taken to one of the houses in the village. At the center of the home was a sunken hearth with a roaring flame heating a large pot of stew, and the house was simple but homey. The previous occupants had taken great care to pick furnishings that allowed everyone to gather and mingle around the warm fire, and had knitted embroidery hung on the wooden walls of typical Lazavese animals and floral motifs. As his vision adjusted to the dark, Apollon could make out a figure sitting on one of the four log benches closest to the pot of stew, and a man watched him cautiously with his hand resting on what Apollon assumed to be a dagger. The man's frame was tall and rangy, but the flickering light revealed a pair of toned arms and an equally firm chest, and Apollon got the impression that the man was quick and agile. The man's hair was cropped short with the sides shaved nearly to the scalp, and its color reminded Apollon of mahogany wood, but it was the man's striking merlot colored eyes that showed the most about him. Darting between Apollon and the nearby surroundings, Apollon could tell that the man had seen combat, and was assessing his vantage points. Standing so that he was bathed in the light, Apollon could make out a raised scar on the man's cheek, and how his face was angular and handsome. The man was probably in his thirties, but the murderous intent within his eyes gave him a youthful vigor as he stared into Apollon's very soul.
The man opened his mouth then, and Apollon recognized a familiar northern accent: "I do not know who you are or what you want from this place, but the villagers have long gone, and I suggest you thank me by leaving without issues. Just as easily as I pulled you from the water and tended your wounds, I could easily put you down if harm is meant." The man's tone was stern and unwavering.
Apollon saw that the man had unsheathed his dagger just enough for a quick draw, and he held up his hands in surrender: "Please sir, I mean you no harm, and did not know you were a compatriot."
The man did not loosen his grip on his weapon, but his eyes softened: "You're Lazavese. But tell me, why are you in this village? It is not known to many, and the nearest city is much closer. Why go out of your way?"
"I am Apollon Emorelle, a knight under the service of her majesty, Queen Aurica, and I was desperate for sustenance. Again, I meant no ill will when I came to this place. You have my gratitude for treating my wounds, and I will go."
The man scowled: "I see, but I was told by tavern chatter that most of the royal guards were slain by the Gichari, but I did not expect to run into one. Tell me, if you are who you say you are, tell me what of his and her majesty?"
"His majesty was slain in the throne room, and her majesty gave her life to save mine." Apollon felt the guilt come again.
"I see... so my information was true, and you are not spitting lies since only two people were aware of how his highness died." The man sheathed his dagger: "I am Teodor Laska, a former resident of the capital, and a sellsword by profession."
Apollon felt the tension release: "How did you know I was here?"
Teodor sat and took out two bowls, and gingerly scooped some stew into each: "I didn't. I came because I used to know the people of this village, and wanted to help them locate to the east for their safety. I simply saw that someone had stoked the flames of the bath, and I came across your naked body slumped over inside the tub. Though the view was nice and all, I didn't know if you were friend or foe, and so I decided to take my chances, and dressed the wounds of a handsome stranger. It certainly helped that your body was quite the sight below the waist as well."
Apollon was shocked at the man's candidness: "Th-thank you." He managed to muster.
Teodor chuckled: "And here I thought you were a humble lad, but one compliment about your cock and ass, and suddenly you are much more open." Teodor paused: "I am only joking, forgive my lack of coyness, I am not a noble after all, and I am the product of my environment. Come and have a meal with me, I promise it is not poisoned."
Apollon was trying to hide his flushed face as he made his way over to the fire, and gently sat on the log bench: "Taking the bowl of stew from Teodor's outstretched hand, he tasted the stew, and it filled him with nostalgia: "It is delicious sir."
Teodor sipped some of his own stew: "Thank you, by the way, I noticed that you also have a slight northern accent, do you hail from there?"
"Yes sir, I hail from the village of Eori near the northern range."
Teodor nodded: "I am from the city of Piatra Regina, not too far from where you were born, but like you, I spent most of my life in the capital. In fact, I was on my way to meet with an old friend when I heard the capital had fallen."
Apollon was curious then: "Tell me, Sir Teodor, what has happened in my absence?"
"The country is in a state of disarray, and we are within a civil war. After the fall of the capital, several former servants spread word of what happened in the palace,and how the senators from the central and former south had betrayed their highnesses in attempts to vie for power. Soon after, safe zones were established, and different senators declared loyalty for one of the two factions, and it roughly split between the eastern and north provinces declaring for Lady Inanna versus the central and south pledging for the Gichari." Teodor went to his pack then, and took out a map that he spread along a free bench: "I was told that the first line of defense is here in the city of Satucele, but it is still a day's walk from here."
"Where are the Gichari?" Apollon said while studying the map closely.
"It seems like they are quite spread thin, and their allied vassals seem to be in the same situation. I passed by several encampments on my way here, but in your state, we need to avoid them if we are to conserve our energy. I am going to safely assume that you are headed east as well."
Apollon nodded and touched his chest again: "How many soldiers in each encampment?"
"The most I counted was seven, but we must factor in that they would not devote too many soldiers to such a remote area, and that once we approach Satucele, we may encounter large battalions. However, we may be able to fend off smaller groups, are you handy with a sword?"
Apollon shook his head:" No, but a spear would do, and I do know some white magic."
"I can't promise you that we will find one here, but if worse comes to worse, will a sharpened pitchfork do the trick? Good you know magic though, it might prove handy"
"Yes, that should be fine, I can make do with a pitchfork."
"Good, I am a little tired, and if you don't trust me, you are welcome to take the first watch. Otherwise, I can take the first watch. I doubt there will be any trouble tonight, but if there is, let's make sure we have a signal. If we survive the night, we can gather some supplies in the morning, and set off."
Apollon knew he had to make a choice then, and it came to whether he would entrust Teodor to uphold his word. Teodor had already dressed his wounds afterall, and he had plenty of opportunity to attack or kill him by that point. With that, Apollon decided to trust himself in his choice without Inanna or his superiors to guide him: "I will take first watch"
Teodor nodded and then took Apollon's empty bowl, and placed it in the basin: "I trust you. Wake me up in a few hours."
Removing his shirt to reveal a toned body, Apollon tried to divert his eyes as Teodor stripped down to his undergarments, and laid on the nearby cot. Within moments, Apollon heard soft, shallow breaths, and realized that Teodor had fallen asleep. Quietly making his way outside, Apollon looked up at the flickering stars that illuminated the night sky, and went to wash their bowls from earlier. As he watched fireflies dance across the surface of the pond at the village's edge, he was reminded of his first night living within the palace, and how he saw the very same sight within her majesty's garden. Mother Agnès and the other sisters had left earlier that day, and he recalled how he stood in the royal garden, and sobbed at losing yet another family. He prayed for his world to return to the way that it once was, and those same feelings seemed to haunt him once more. Muttering soft prayers for the world to return to peace, Apollon lost track of time, and soon guessed that it was around the first hour of the next day. Returning to the cabin and shaking Teodor awake, he groggily got up, and Apollon was surprised that he instantly became alert and active. Perhaps Teodor had gotten used to being awoken by even the slightest of movements, and as Apollon laid his head on the pillow, he was glad that Teodor was someone he could at least trust enough to not kill him in his sleep.
The morning came as quickly as Apollon fell asleep, and he awoke to the fragrant smell of fried eggs and porridge. Teodor was leaning over him with a large grin, and after freshening up, the two sat for their first morning meal together. As Apollon was just about to lift the spoon to his mouth, he noticed that Teodor had laid more sets of silverware than needed, and found it curious to say the least. After finishing the hearty meal, they began to scavenge the village for supplies, and much to their delight, they found more than enough basic necessities to keep them afloat for at least a month. From changes of clothes to grains and preserves, they also found much needed toiletries, and finally essential tools. Dismayed at the lack of available weapons besides kitchen knives that had been left behind by the villagers, Apollon was crestfallen when he saw that Teodor had managed to find a pitchfork, and he had to make do much to his chagrin. Sharpening the prongs with a whetting stone, Apollon used pieces of his tattered clothes to wrap the handle to form a grip, and used some rope to make a sheath to carry his weapon on his back. Helping Teodor to pack their treasures into packs they found in the abandoned general store, the two released the remaining cattle from their pens, and set off down the path. According to Teodor, they would reach the city of Satucele within a day's time, but they would need to be wary of potential dangers.
As they carefully made their way through the naturally carved paths in the thicket, Apollon noted a sense of awkwardness between himself and Teodor. After all, they were still strangers to one another, and Apollon sensed that Teodor was a man who had been hardened by experience. Making small exchanges about the weather and other mundane topics, their conversations were limited to one word exchanges, but as they became familiar with each other, the conservation seemed to flow more naturally. Apollon mentioned what was necessary to Teodor, mainly his background and time in the priory, but this produced a noticeable change, and Teodor soon told Apollon about his own colorful history.
Teodor told Apollon about how he was the product of a foreign merchant father who had paid a visit to his courtesan mother, and after doing the deed, he convinced his mother to pursue her fortune in the capital. Abandoning his mother soon after his birth, his father returned to his country, and his mother turned this into a source of her disdain for his existence. Never having much interest in motherhood and children, Teodor was left to be raised by a village of brothel workers, and his mother hardly acknowledged her maternity or son. Whatever funds or salary that she earned, his mother would spend it on luxury perfumes and rouges, and her meals were often catered by her clients. Forced to survive on whatever he was given by the other workers, Teodor had to learn a means of survival, and that came in the form of sleight of hand. Initially, he would fumble through the discarded clothing of his mother's clients, and was careful to only take enough to remain unnoticed, but as he became more skilled after being nearly caught several times, he mastered the craft. He fed and educated himself by doing this, but as he blossomed and began to reflect the more positive traits of his mother, the madame of the house saw a business opportunity. Being the sole male in that particular area of the red light district, the madame of the house presented him as a foreign lover from an exotic northern country, and her ruse was quickly accepted due to his unique appearance. At the time, Teodor did not dare question this, because he assumed that it was a natural progression for the son of a courtesan to also take up the profession. Becoming rather popular among male clientele, Teodor said that his epiphany came when a customer took a knife to his face in a fit of rage, and he realized that he needed to forge his own path. Paying off his room and board, and giving the madam a lump sum payment of his debt after helping her dispose of the man's body in the gutter, Teodor also left some funds as a parting gift for his surrogate mothers. He disappeared into the countryside, taking on an alias, and becoming a gatherer of secrets and information. As he traveled about the continent, he learned different skills and languages, and built a fearsome reputation.
Apollon was enthralled by such tales, because Teodor possessed many qualities that he sought to emulate in himself, and he had gained more knowledge than many would within a lifetime. Though his brusque speech and cheeky attitude would earn him disdain among the senators and nobility, Teodor was by no means a man of a lower class, and Apollon could discern that Teodor was much more intelligent and clever than he let on. From what he observed, Apollon saw that Teodor's intentions were pure and devoid of deceit, and that he was not a man who would exploit the weak for personal gain. As Apollon looked up at the late afternoon sky, just before dusk, he noted that in the morning, they were strangers, but somehow, they had consolidated several weeks of conversation into a span of hours. Teodor had a skillset that Apollon envied, and he imagined that if he had had the same skills, perhaps he could have saved her majesty.
Apollon heard Teodor's voice then: "My my, it seems the day has gotten away from us. Shall we set up camp?"
"We should find a place near a body of water." Apollon replied
Teodor paused, and Apollon watched as his ears perked: "I hear a stream nearby, so let's head in that direction, and we can feast on some river fish."
Carefully hiking downhill, the two discovered a massive tree whose roots had overgrown and formed a cave of sorts, and it was tucked away from the prying eye on the path above. Teodor showed Apollon how to use a tarp to spread along the ground for rest, and how to use another tarp as an entrance. Gathering moss and knotting vines, the two carefully covered the door to blend in with the surroundings, and soon it became invisible at a distance. Tying their food supplies further away, they took out only the basic essentials, and quickly went to work to prepare their dinner. As Teodor descaled and gutted fish that he caught with a handmade net, Apollon used a mortar and pestle to crush and pulverize some garlic and wild onions, and used a cheesecloth as a sieve for lemon juice. Making a small fire, the fish was soon grilled over open flame and glazed with sauce, and the two sat for their meal. They had not eaten for nearly the entire day, and this was a much needed respite.
Teodor bit into a fish, and Apollon saw him figuring out what to say: "You mentioned that you were raised in a priory. What was it like? Was it as dreary as I imagined it to be?"
"It was not really, I am beholden to the sisters for taking me in despite my gender, and I would not have survived otherwise." Apollon thought of Mother Agnès "I was taught how to read and write, how to make medicines and salves, and they were like a family to me."
"Were they the ones who taught you white magic?"
Apollon felt his heart grow heavy as the image of his faceless parents entered his mind: "No... when I discovered that I had the ability to perform white magic, I did not know what magic was, and I did it out of necessity."
"All beings are born with mana, it is our lifeforce and connects us to the world, but mages are individuals who not only possess massive pools of mana, but are also able to access it and conjure it into a desired state. However, I did note that based on the state of your wound, you fall roughly between a mage and a normal human being in terms of mana. I myself cannot perform magic, but I am sure that it was useful during your tenure as a royal guard."
"I usually took on a support role rather than an offensive one."
"I was told that Lady Inanna is the daughter of a mage, and elemental magic is much more common in offense. I am sure her majesty --" Teodor stopped then: "Forgive me, I have forgotten that you were under the queen's service, and it's best not to remind you of that."
"I failed in my duty, and so I am already constantly reminded with every breath I take." Apollon felt that explosive feeling again, as if his very heart were about to burst.
"Guilt is one of the more if not most dangerous of the emotions, and you cannot allow yourself to be subsumed into a sea of regret. As you said, her majesty gave her life in exchange for yours. Cry, mourn, and lament the dead, but do not let your guilt and grief lead you astray. I for one can personally vouch for the consequences if you are unfortunate to slip into the abyss."
" Have you lost someone, sir Teodor?"
"I have lost many, but I lost all of my comrades within a single night. During my career as secret gatherer, I ,along with my four dearest friends, were tasked with gathering intel on a senator with a dubious reputation, and we were told that the villa would be empty. We entered the residence easily enough, but it was a trap, and it came in the form of my first comrade being split into two by a heavy ax. I was naive and temperamental, and so I charged and killed his murderer, but left my other companions unguarded. They were not as skilled in fighting as I was, and so one by one, they were slaughtered. I had to leave their bodies behind when I too was surrounded. I never forgave myself for that."
"I see, we have both lost people we held dear." Apollon clasped his hands.
"However, this is not a cautionary tale that allows you to say that you failed in your task..." Teodor's eyes were narrowed
Apollon shook his head: "Her majesty's body was not given a proper send off, and I should have died in her place."
"As a queensguard, your duty first and foremost is to obey your sovereign without question, and to adhere to her will, and that comes before protecting her with your life. Her majesty willingly exchanged her life for yours, and it is now your duty to uphold your promise to your sovereign. I do not expect you to forget your grief in a matter of days, but you are treading a dangerous path of self-destruction, and I will not allow that." Teodor moved to sit next to Apollon: "Reunite with Lady Inanna in the east, and live on as her majesty intended."
"Thank you, I am grateful to have a comrade like you."
Apollon saw a sudden change in Teodor's face, and he seemed taken aback: "Comrade..." Teodor stood: "I am usually not one to discuss such sentimental things. I am going to freshen up, mind the camp will you?"
Apollon nodded and watched in silence as Teodor quickly took a washbucket and clothes, and quickly rounded the tree to bathe in a shallow oxbow lake. He was not sure what he had said that caused such a reaction, but he felt that Teodor needed his peace.Collecting their used utensils and bowls, Apollon let his mind slip away as he scrubbed and dried the dishes, and as the scrum and excess food washed down the river, he imagined that he had washed away some of his own guilt as well. Teodor returned shortly afterwards, and seemed to be his usual self, but Apollon felt his gaze on his back every so often. As Apollon bathed and washed himself, he replayed the exchange with Teodor several times, each time trying to pinpoint what caused such a reaction, but to no avail. Setting into the tent for the night, Apollon read a book that he found from his childhood, and delved into the story of a mage who helped repel an attack by a rival clan.
"Apollon?" Teodor's tone was like a child about to be scolded.
"Yes? What is it?"
"I didn't mean to offend you or cause you any distress earlier. It was just a strange sensation to hear the word comrade being applied to me."
Apollon placed the book down: "Have you been alone for a long time since your comrades died?"
"I have become accustomed to traveling alone over the last decade now. The only interactions I have are with the occasional lover at a brothel, but I suppose they do not count as companions, do they?" Apollon stifled a chuckle: "I suppose they don't"
"I am glad to have such an honorable person deem me as their comrade, and I am grateful to have you as mine. As proof that I value our new found partnership, I am happy to take the second watch and prepare breakfast once more."
"I will position myself outside then." Apollon smiled in reply
Shrouded in darkness besides the faint moonlight that pierced through the tree canopy above, the forest was silent, and the only sounds that Apollon heard were the soft coos of the owls overhead and the soft flow of the stream. Apollon used to treasure moments like this where he could allow himself to process his thoughts, but as of late, he has found himself only with once nostalgic memories turned into bitter reminders. He had spent many a night like this with her highness, and he would talk to her to keep her anxiety at bay. They would talk about all manner of topics well into the night, and they developed a strong bond with one another. His mind kept drifting back to her demise, how her body most likely laid in her chambers, and he dared not to think on what the Gichari did to her body. Apollon was certain that her spirit was earthbound, and tears welled up in his eyes as he imagined her watching what befell the things she once held dear. He imagined her unable to move on, watching the Gichari strip her room and body of jewels, and her private sanctuary being occupied by a slew of harem women brought by the occupying forces. Her spirit would probably be most devastated by the razing of her gardens, and the delicate ducks she cared for being used for meat. Trying to keep himself intact, Apollon wiped the tears from his face, and did his best to use Teodor's wise words and advice. Silence came then, and for the first time, Apollon felt that his soul had become a peaceful sea.
"You were thinking of her majesty again, weren't you?" A voice called out, and Apollon looked up to see Teodor leaning over him.
Apollon looked down: "I was thinking whether or not her spirit was earthbound, and I wish I could have buried her... properly." He felt the warm tears begin to fall down his face.
"Earthbound or not, I am glad to see you are finally able to cry." Teodor sat down on the ground: "From the moment I met you, I noticed that you seldom expressed negative emotions, and that is an indicator of someone who suffered greatly. I don't personally believe in such traditions, but I understand that you regret not giving her a proper farewell. Crying and releasing grief is healthy, but the path to acceptance of death is a long and arduous one, but there are things we can do to regain a sense of self."
Apollon was puzzled: "What do you mean?"
Teodor vanished into the tent, and reappeared with the map: "Help me pack up the camp, and I will take you somewhere I think will be helpful to you.
Quickly gathering their things, Apollon followed Teodor down a new path with the moonlight as their only source of light, and whenever Apollon questioned where they were going, Teodor simply brushed him off with a small grin. They walked for what seemed like an hour before Teodor suddenly stopped, and before them was a wrought iron gate covered with vines, and Apollon then saw a long wall of bricks covered with vegetation. With a single swing of his dagger, Teodor broke the lock that held the gate close, and they entered an overgrown lawn of a villa. Opulent, the villa was constructed from the finest stone and brick, and its facade reflected an artistic interpretation of what a heavenly palace would be. With carved floral motifs, the stained glass windows of the upper floor were largely intact, but the lower floor's windows laid in piles shimmering glass intermixed with the weeds and growth. Teodor pressed forward, and Apollon followed and felt a strange sense of familiarity as he gazed upon the statues that lined the garden. With many arms forming perfectly symmetrical circles, the statues had expressions ranging from tranquility to anger, and Apollon realized that these were the former gods of the Kalli people, her majesty's people.
"What is this place, Teodor?" Apollon gazed around the domed entrance as his voice echoed through the empty halls.
"When the Kalli people first came to this land, they worshiped different gods, but as intermarried with the Lazavese or adopted their culture, the old gods slowly vanished overtime, but some families still clung to these ancient traditions, and the family who once lived here was one of them. Before their daughter was married, she once roamed these halls, but I suppose palaces are much grander than even this."
Apollon looked at Teodor in disbelief: "This was her majesty's home?"
Teodor's grin grew even wider: "Very few know this, but before her highness was married to King Calin, she resided here in her youth, but upon the death of the queen mother and father several years ago, she left this place untouched, and forbade anyone to enter. I discovered this place some time ago, and after poking around in the library, I learned what this place was."
"But why did you bring me here?"
"I do not really believe in the concept of being earthbound or reincarnation, but I can see that your soul needs a reprieve, and perhaps, we can have a small funeral for her majesty. There are no birch trees nearby, but there's plenty of wood."
"Thank you, Teodor." Apollon felt elated, and felt a weight being lifted off his chest. He couldn't give her majesty's body a farewell, but he could now at least do something for her.
Per Lazavese tradition, they gathered gowns long sealed away in trunks, and several portraits of her highness in her youth. Gently, they arranged a pile of wood within the long dried fountain, and placed her majesty's effects on top. Finding bottles of wine, Apollon lit candles while Teodor poured 5 glasses, and so the ritual began. With each of them drinking two glasses of wine as a congratulatory sendoff from the mortal realm, and two more for the soul's safe travels to the afterlife, Apollon poured the last glass onto the wood to fuel the flames, and Teodor lit a match. As the flames engulfed the wood and gathered treasures, Apollon stared at the portrait of her majesty, and clasped his hands in prayer. Soon, he felt Teodor join him, and together they watched the flames go from a roaring inferno to small sparks. Apollon could see that the sun would rise within two hours, and so it was decided to camp in her majesty's former home. Apollon took solace in the notion that if her majesty had seen them give her a funeral, she would most certainly have given them permission to stay in a place once close to her heart